Advance Directives

You have the right to decide what medical treatment you wish to receive and the right to refuse treatment you do not want.  Federal law protects this right through “Advance Directives.” 

What Types of Advance Directives are there?

HEALTH CARE PROXY
A Health Care Proxy is anyone you choose and appoint to make medical decisions for you in case you are unable to communicate for yourself.  He or she has decision-making power ONLY when you are unable to make decisions for yourself.  Any competent adult can appoint a Health Care Proxy by signing a “Health Care Proxy” form.  You don’t need a lawyer. just two adult witnesses.  (Also called durable power of attorney for health care, medical power of attorney or Health care agent)

LIVING WILL
A Living Will is a statement expressing what types of treatment you would or would not want a health care provider or institution to provide, as well as any health care instructions you want known if you cannot speak or communicate for yourself.

DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
DNR instructions establish only one thing; whether you wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  If your heart stops beating or you stop breathing and you have a DNR order, you will be allowed to die a natural death and not have any measures used to try to get you to start breathing again, or to get your heart to start beating again.

Filling out these forms, providing your health care provider with copies, and making your wishes known to your friends and family are the most important ways to make sure your wishes are followed.

Where Can I get more information about Advance Directives?

Contact the High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care office nearest you, your local hospital or your attorney.  They will answer any questions your may have about Advance Directives.  They have the forms you will need as well as additional resource materials.

Listed below are additional contacts for resource materials about Advance Directives: